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Artists and Relatives Entering the 2025 Political Arena
Celebrities Running in the 2025 Elections have long been a prominent force in Philippine politics, leveraging their mass popularity, influence, and established trust among the people to transition into public service. Every election cycle, numerous showbiz personalities and their relatives step forward to vie for positions in government, representing both legacy families and new faces in politics.
As the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the May 12, 2025, elections opened on Tuesday, October 1, several notable names from the entertainment industry announced their political aspirations. This lineup includes first-timers exploring new opportunities in governance and seasoned politicians aiming for re-election or higher office.
Here’s a closer look at these celebrities and their political journeys:
The Recto-Santos Family: Legacy in Batangas
Vilma Santos
Known as the “Star for All Seasons,” Vilma Santos-Recto has a storied history in politics. After serving as Batangas Governor from 2007 to 2016 and then as a House Representative, she is making a strong bid to reclaim the gubernatorial seat in the province she once led with distinction.
Luis Manzano
Vilma’s eldest son, actor and host Luis Manzano, is entering politics for the first time. He has filed his candidacy as vice governor of Batangas, running alongside his mother as her running mate. His entry marks a significant shift in his career from showbiz to governance.
Ryan Recto
Vilma’s younger son, Ryan Recto, is pursuing a congressional seat as the representative of Batangas’ 6th District under the Nacionalista Party. With both sons joining their mother, the Santos-Recto family is making a united push for political leadership in Batangas.
The Atayde Family: Public Service in Quezon City
Arjo Atayde
Arjo Atayde, an award-winning actor and incumbent representative of Quezon City’s 1st District, is seeking re-election. His first term highlighted his commitment to local governance, and he hopes to continue his work in Congress.
Gab Atayde
Arjo’s cousin, Gabriel “Gab” Atayde, is also making his political debut by running for a councilor position in Quezon City’s 1st District. The Ataydes are building a family legacy of public service in the city.
The Sotto Dynasty: Back in Action
Tito Sotto
The veteran actor, comedian, and former Senate President Tito Sotto is returning to politics after a three-year break. He is seeking his fifth term as senator, running under the administration slate of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos. With decades of legislative experience, Sotto remains a formidable force in the political arena.
Gian Sotto
Following in his father’s footsteps, Gian Sotto, currently Quezon City’s vice mayor, is running for re-election. He has teamed up with Mayor Joy Belmonte to strengthen their leadership in one of the country’s most populous cities.
The Revilla Family: A Political Dynasty in Cavite
Bong Revilla
Action star and incumbent senator Bong Revilla is seeking re-election under the Lakas-CMD party. His extensive career in both entertainment and politics continues to resonate with his supporters.
Lani Mercado-Revilla
Lani Mercado-Revilla, Bong’s wife and the current representative of Cavite’s 2nd District, is also seeking re-election to continue her legislative work.
Jolo Revilla
Their son, Jolo Revilla, is seeking another term as representative of Cavite’s 1st District, ensuring the family’s ongoing influence in the province.
The Gomez-Torres Partnership: Leading in Leyte and Ormoc
Actor and former Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez is once again stepping into the political arena, this time running for re-election as the representative of Leyte’s 4th District. Known not only for his illustrious career in Philippine showbiz but also for his contributions to local governance, Richard has consistently championed initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, agriculture, and education in the region. His dedication to public service reflects his determination to bring sustainable development and progress to Leyte.
His wife, Lucy Torres-Gomez, a celebrated actress-turned-politician, is also seeking re-election as the mayor of Ormoc City. In her first term, Lucy has been praised for her leadership, focusing on disaster resilience, urban planning, and economic growth for the city. Her hands-on approach and ability to engage the community have earned her respect and admiration from her constituents.
The Pacquiao Legacy: Expanding Influence
Manny Pacquiao, the globally renowned boxing legend and former presidential candidate, is stepping back into the political ring with a bid for a Senate seat in the upcoming 2025 elections. Running under the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, Manny aims to bring his wealth of experience and influence to the legislative arena once more. As a former senator, his tenure was marked by advocacy for poverty alleviation, sports development, and housing programs, reflecting his deep connection to the struggles of ordinary Filipinos. Manny’s unparalleled fame, combined with his genuine commitment to public service, makes him one of the most prominent candidates in the race.
Adding to the Pacquiao family’s active role in politics is his son, Michael Stephen Pacquiao, who is running for councilor in General Santos City under the banner of the People’s Champ Movement. At just 22 years old, Michael is bringing youthful energy and fresh perspectives to the political landscape. With his father as a role model, Michael is focused on initiatives that resonate with the city’s younger population, such as education, technology-driven development, and community engagement.
Other Celebrity Candidates
Alfred Vargas and PM Vargas
Actor Alfred Vargas is running for councilor in Quezon City’s 5th District, while his brother, PM Vargas, is seeking re-election as the district’s representative.
Jomari Yllana’s Family
Jomari Yllana’s wife, Abi Viduya, and his brother, Ryan Yllana, are running for councilor positions in Parañaque City.
The Marquez Clan
Joey Marquez’s children, Yeoj Marquez and Jeremy Marquez, are running for local government positions in Parañaque City.
📌 Disclaimer:
📢 The information provided in this document is based on publicly available data and reports about the political candidacies of individuals for the 2025 elections. It aims to inform and provide context about the involvement of celebrities and their families in politics. This content does not endorse, promote, or oppose any political candidate, party, or agenda. Readers are encouraged to verify details and stay updated through official election announcements and news outlets.
📚 Faq’s
Why are so many celebrities entering politics?
Celebrities often enter politics because of their popularity, public influence, and desire to contribute to public service. Their fame helps them connect with voters and gain recognition quickly.
What roles are celebrities running for in the 2025 elections?
Celebrities are running for various positions, including senator, congressman, governor, mayor, vice mayor, and councilor. Some are also part of party-list groups.
Do celebrities have prior experience in governance?
Some celebrities, like Tito Sotto and Vilma Santos, have extensive political experience, while others, such as Luis Manzano and Michael Pacquiao, are first-time candidates.
How do celebrities prepare for political roles?
Many undergo training, collaborate with experienced advisers, and focus on specific advocacies such as education, healthcare, or community development to shape their platforms.
What impact do celebrity candidates have on elections?
Celebrities often draw significant attention to elections, mobilizing large voter bases. However, their success depends on their platforms, capabilities, and voter trust beyond their fame.
📝 Conclusion:
🎭 These celebrities and their relatives are not just leveraging their fame but are showcasing their dedication to public service through various government roles. From first-time candidates to seasoned politicians, their participation in the 2025 elections highlights the intersection of showbiz and governance. Their influence and commitment will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape and outcomes of the upcoming elections.
